Friendly Game Upsets Suwon Stadium Officials

Managers of a World Cup stadium in Suwon have criticized FIFA officials and South Korean tournament organizers for playing a friendly match there despite possible damage to the grass, a local report said.

Fifteen FIFA officials and 20 Korean officials played the match at the stadium in Suwon, despite appeals by stadium managers, Yonhap news agency said.

Stadium managers told the officials that it takes four days for the grass to recover before another match, Yonhap quoted an unidentified stadium employee as saying. Matches are scheduled Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

“I can’t understand their holding this match two days ahead of a World Cup match,” the unnamed stadium official said. “I think it shows the FIFA officials’ high-handed attitude.”